HCC celebrates new workforce facility in Sunnyside Community
Jul 21, 2015
The reoccurring theme and keyword during the groundbreaking for the Central South Workforce Center at the Houston Community College (HCC) South Campus was opportunity. Community members braved the heat to join HCC officials in celebrating another step in the growth of the campus just off Highway 288 and Airport Boulevard in the Sunnyside area.
“This is a very exciting time for us as we see more development and training come to this area, which will bring more opportunities to our students, community members and their families,” said Dr. William Harmon, president of HCC Central College.
The 65,000 square-foot, two-story workforce training facility will house advanced manufacturing and robotics classes, as well as machining, welding, HVAC, CNC, solar, and electrical laboratories—all designed to meet the needs of Houston businesses. It will be developed next to the existing Willie Lee Gay hall, named after the lifelong educator and distinguished historian, who attended the groundbreaking.
“If we can put as many buildings and as many institutions and any activities that will enhance this community, it’s good,” said Gay. “We need the building for workforce -- anything that will help the kids.”
HCC Trustee Christopher Oliver, District IX, has known Mrs. Gay for most of his life because she was his Seventh Grade History teacher. Oliver facilitated the construction of Willie Lee Gay Hall, which opened its doors in 2003 and said, “It is a real honor to see the plans in the works to build a second facility on this campus.”
State Representative Dr. Alma A. Allen praised HCC for what the college has done in the Sunnyside community and presented Dr. Harmon with a certificate of appreciation.
“This is a great opportunity for Houston Community College,” said Dr. Anthony Hancock, director, Center of Excellence for Consumer Arts and Sciences. “It is really built for our future generation of students who come to us from local high schools.”
Preparing those future students for college success will soon be easier when the new South Early College High School is constructed on the HCC South Campus through a partnership with the Houston Independent School District (HISD). Groundbreaking for the South Early College High School is set for the fall.
“It is good to see this institution putting down more roots in the community, said Robert Glaser, vice chair, HCC Board of Trustees. “This is what it’s about. We are Houston Community College, we are about reaching out to these neighborhoods and these communities and making life better for all of us.”
“All I ask of you is to fill the place and spread the word that we have this new facility coming and it’s all for the community,” said Eva Loredo, HCC Board of Trustees, District VIII.
A photogallery of the groundbreaking is available via flickr. For more information on the $425M HCC Groundbreaker Bond Program or to register for classes, visit hccs.edu.